Talk regularly

• Keep conversations open and non-judgemental
• Encourage your child to share worries
• Take an interest in what they enjoy online

Set boundaries together

• Agree screen time and device use
• Keep devices in shared spaces where possible
• Use age ratings to guide content

Use safety tools

• Set up parental controls
• Use privacy settings
• Check apps and platforms your child uses

Support digital wellbeing

• Encourage a healthy balance of online/offline activities
• Watch for changes in mood, sleep or behaviour

• Encourage your child to speak to a trusted adult
• Contact the school if you have concerns
• Report serious concerns to CEOP
• In an emergency, call 999

Core guidance

• NSPCC – Online Safety
• Childnet – Parents & Carers
• UK Safer Internet Centre

Practical tools

• https://www.internetmatters.org
• https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk

SEND-specific support

• NSPCC SEND online safety advice (via main NSPCC site above)
• https://www.internetmatters.org/advice/needs/ (tailored advice for different needs)

Local authority guidance

• Surrey County Council – Internet safety
• Croydon Council – Keeping children safe online

Some children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) may be more vulnerable online. They may:

• Be more trusting of others or find it harder to recognise risk
• Struggle with understanding social cues or intent
• Be more likely to experience online bullying or exploitation
• Find it harder to manage screen time or emotional responses

Our school adapts online safety education to meet individual needs, recognising that a“one size fits all” approach is not appropriate 

Use clear, simple rules

• Create straightforward, visual or written rules for online behaviour
• Repeat and revisit messages regularly

Practise scenarios together

• Talk through “what would you do if…” situations
• Role-play how to respond to messages, requests or pressure

Check understanding

• Ask your child to explain things back to you
• Don’t assume understanding of complex ideas like “stranger danger” online

Increase supervision where needed

• Stay nearby when your child is online
• Regularly review apps, messages and contacts together

Teach safe routines

• Not sharing personal information (name, school, location)
• Only communicating with people they know in real life

Use specialist support and settings

• Explore accessibility features, parental controls and filters
• Use platforms with stronger moderation where possible

Build confidence to report

• Reassure your child they will not be in trouble
• Make sure they know who to go to at home and at school

The NSPCC highlights the importance of adapting online safety approaches and providing extra support for children with additional needs.